An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2016 - 2015 Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra GAA Annual Congress www.gaa.ie - Mayo Club 51
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An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil 2016 2015 Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra GAA Annual Congress www.gaa.ie
10 January 2015; Former Waterford hurler Paul Flynn, in his role of umpire for the day, chats with young supporters during a break in play. Waterford Crystal Cup Preliminary Round, Cork v University of Limerick, CIT GAA Grounds, Bishopstown, Co. Cork.
Annual Congress
2015 Tuarascáil an Ard Stiúrthóra
20 September 2015; James McCarthy, Dublin, is tackled
by Colm Cooper, Kerry. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior
Championship Final, Dublin v Kerry, Croke Park, Dublin.
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
Report of the Ard Stiúrthóir
Páraic Ó Dufaigh
Introduction unbearable or even insulting, that raises
them to levels of performance that
Hurling championships in recent years other teams cannot match. (Brian Cody
had dazzled us with their brilliance, so it probably knows what this is!). Their
was to be expected that the first year of a cumulative achievements have been
return to more normal competition would exceptional, and Gaelic games followers
slightly lessen the excitement levels. are right to be proud of such brilliant
For all that, there were two remarkable sportsmen. It was wholly fitting, then,
features of the 2015 championship. that the elegant skills of TJ Reid won for
One was the unexpectedly rapid rise of him the award of Player of the Year.
Waterford, who followed their fine Allianz
League title with a pulsating charge in The football championship gave us an
“ What is one to say about Kilkenny? the championship. They deserved the absolutely absorbing final. The carping
They not only defeated all-comers admiration they received; their skilful and of a few who lamented the absence of
to win another championship, but relentless hurling gave lie to the received silky summer skills surely missed the
they defeat one’s ability to say wisdom that it takes years to build a point: the awful weather conditions
anything new or original about team fit to challenge for national titles. determined that this was to be a contest
their achievements.” We look forward to the continuation of attrition. There was never a stage
of Waterford’s campaign in 2016. where the match did not seem ready
to tip in an unpredictable way: a funny
What is one to say about Kilkenny? bounce, or a slip of hand or foot near
They not only defeated all-comers to goal, could have turned the direction of
win another championship, but they the game in the opposite direction. But
defeat one’s ability to say anything new Dublin deserved their victory, as they
or original about their achievements. deserve great credit for a third title in
Gaelic games may well be amateur, but five years. We must congratulate Jim
we all know the intensity that teams Gavin who has managed Dublin to two
bring to their hurling, so it is a genuinely of these titles, and Jack McCaffrey who
extraordinary fact that Kilkenny continue won the Player of the Year award.
to find the means to stay ahead of their
rivals, almost year after year. It is exactly Elsewhere on the playing fields, we
this latter fact – that they continue to salute the two winners of the U-21
dominate hurling after so many years – championships, Limerick in hurling
that is so remarkable. Kilkenny hurlers and Tyrone in football, as we do the
never become blasé or complacent; winners of the minor championships,
winning one year never diminishes their Galway in hurling and Kerry in football.
hunger to win the next year. They have And in the ferociously contested club
excellent hurlers, of course, but so do (and championships, where Gaelic games,
did, over the years) other counties. There and indeed the Association itself, are
is something in Kilkenny hurling, beyond visible in their most vibrant and relevant
the great players, tradition, county condition, we applaud the All-Ireland
pride or match tactics, something to do championship winners of Corofin
with resilience, with a mental attitude (senior football), Ballyhale Shamrocks
that finds defeat incomprehensible, (senior hurling), Ardfert (intermediate
4
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
20 September 2015; Dublin’s Paul Flynn lifts
the Sam Maguire cup after their win in the
GAA All-Ireland Senior Championship final.
football), O’Donovan Rossa (intermediate and,despite the reservations expressed
hurling), Brosna (junior football) and about modern Gaelic football, there
Bennettsbridge (junior hurling). continues to be great loyalty to one’s
county in inter-county competitions.
The International Rules returned to Dublin
in November for a one-match Series, There is, however, a feature of the wider
which allowed us to see that, when both context of Gaelic football that does cause
countries field their best players, the concern. A significant number of counties
Series easily justifies its continuation. do not have the financial resources,
Those who attended the match seemed either from commercial income and/or
to share the opinion that it whetted the through their fundraising capacity, to be
appetite for a second match, especially serious contenders to win an All-Ireland
as the Australians were seen to improve title. This is becoming a permanent
considerably as the game progressed. structural imbalance in competitiveness
which, when combined with the
It is gratifying to record that attendances unequal population distribution over
“ There was never a stage where for both leagues and championships counties, reduces potential All-Ireland
the match did not seem ready remained strong. Competition for winners to a relatively few counties.
to tip in an unpredictable way: a spectator patronage is intense, from This has to be a matter of concern,
funny bounce, or a slip of hand or inside and outside sport, and we particularly if we want the championship
foot near goal could have turned must now promote our competitions to continue to draw the strong
the direction of the game in the vigorously every year. But the games attendances that we celebrate above.
opposite direction.” themselves must also be attractive,
5
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
28 February 2015; Delegates,
including Australia, during
the GAA Annual Congress 2015.
Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan.
Congress 2015 The Minor Review Committee made which encourages participation. The
significant progress, too, in their step- possibility, therefore, of re-structuring
While Congress 2015 was generally by-step efforts to address player-welfare the Congress schedule to allow delegates
described as ‘quiet’, it nonetheless concerns by persuading Congress to to attend two of these sessions is
passed a number of significant motions amend the rule governing age grades. worth considering. A mechanism for
as it considered the reports of the As a result, from January 2016 players effectively reporting the main issues
Hurling 20/20 and the Minor Review must be over 17 years to play at adult to emerge at these sessions to the full
committees. While both reports club level and over 16 years to play in the Congress could usefully be developed.
contained recommendations that fell U-21 grade with clubs. This amendment,
within the remit of Central Council for along with the rule change that came In terms of the full Congress assembly, it
decision, the focus at Congress was on into effect in January 2015 limiting is difficult to know how it might be made
proposals that required a change of rule. participation at inter-county minor more participative. A lot of good work is
In terms of the Hurling 20/20 committee, level to players over 16 years of age, is done each year on rule amendments that
this meant, primarily, the playing rules, evidence of the growing awareness of is necessary and productive. It is in the
and Congress passed its motion that only the need to protect the young talented very nature of many of the proposals that
one defending player may stand on the player. There is still much to be done to seek to amend rules (as from the Rules
goal-line to defend a penalty puck. It also protect those players from the dangers Advisory Committee) that the benefits
decided that, for free pucks awarded on of overtraining and burnout, but these are obvious and non-controversial, and
the centre point of the 20 metre line and were, nonetheless, significant changes. thus unlikely to generate much debate.
on the semi-circular arc, no more than For delegates, such deliberations can be
five defending players could stand on the The passing of nineteen motions that a tedious (if necessary) part of Congress.
goal-line. Congress also supported the brought further clarity to our rules was In each of the past three years we have
Hurling 20/20 proposal to introduce the a reflection of the importance of the organised a pre-Congress briefing for
advantage rule into hurling, and opted ongoing work of the Rules Advisory key county officers on the motions to
for automatic promotion of the winners Committee as a standing committee ensure that delegates understand the
of the Christy Ring Cup to the following on the rules of the Association, details of all the motions before them.
year’s Provincial Qualifier group. The while the decisions of Congress And with the Finance and Ard Stiúrthóir’s
implementation of the changes to playing in addressing concerns about the reports available to units and to the
rules has gone smoothly and has been to proposed clock/hooter system, the public well in advance of Congress,
the benefit of the game. The penalty puck closed months for collective training much informal debate will already
has become an exciting feature of the and the registration of teams for senior have taken place on issues raised.
game, with goalkeepers faring better than inter-county championship games
had been predicted, while, as in football, were sensible and commendable. It may be that one of the effects of this
the introduction of the advantage rule pre-Congress preparation has been to
has improved the fluidity of the game. Feedback from the five Congress make Congress a less deliberative forum.
workshops – on our financial reports, What was particularly disappointing last
“ The Minor Review committee working with the media, the work of the year was that, in a year when the playing
made significant progress, too, GPA, health and wellbeing, and player rules could be changed, there was little
in their step-by-step efforts to welfare – was also positive. However, the debate on the motions submitted by
address player-welfare concerns concerns expressed in the aftermath of counties seeking to amend the playing
by persuading Congress to amend Congress about the lack of worthwhile rules of football. Given that the way
the rule governing age grades. debate at, or even engagement with, Gaelic football is currently played has
As a result, from January 2017 the full sessions of Congress need to be generated so much discussion, one would
players must be over 17 years to addressed. One of the reasons why the have expected that, for example, motions
play at adult club level and over feedback on the workshops was positive seeking to limit the use of the hand-pass
16 years to play in the U-21 grade in 2015 was because the workshop topics would have encouraged lively discussion
with clubs.” were clearly of interest to delegates, at Congress 2015. But it did not. The same
which has not always been the case. And applies to the Friday night session and the
the workshop setting is less intimidating, opportunity to debate the Ard-Stiúrthóir’s
6
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
28 February 2015; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas
Aogán Ó Feargháil during his inaugural address to the
GAA Annual Congress 2015.
Picture test goes here
report. This session is intended to • the importance of matching the skillsets extremely competitive Division 1A and
facilitate a discussion on virtually any of members with needs of committees; 1B, guaranteeing each of the teams at
issue of concern to delegates, but it is my least six very competitive matches, and
impression that such discussion has been • the constant assessment of progress also that it has reduced the number of
diminishing from year to year. It may be against strategic objectives. ‘dead rubber’ matches. The difficulty,
that the report needs to be presented in a in the past, with two top divisions of
different way to the Friday evening session The advice on succession arrangements eight was the huge variation in standard
so as to facilitate a genuine debate on for committees is timely and easy to between teams in the second tier of eight,
the key issues of the previous year. implement. It is particularly important leading to too many one-sided games.
in terms of the committees with The CCCC argument – that it is important
responsibility for discipline,: the CCCC, that teams compete in leagues at a level
Central Committees CHC and CAC. Recent practice has appropriate to their potential each year –
been to replace all of the personnel was compelling. Moreover, it was the view
Uachtarán Aogán Ó Fearghail invested on committees dealing with discipline of Central Council that, while there may
considerable time and thought into the at the time of a change of presidency. be just about twelve teams capable of
process of populating the Association’s key However, it is difficult in such a transition competing at a high level, that degree of
central committees. It was time well spent, to ensure consistency in decision-making. competitiveness would be lost if extended
as was a meeting last March when the I would suggest that we require that to fourteen, fifteen or sixteen teams.
Uachtarán and I met with the Chairperson at least two members of the outgoing
and Secretary of each committee to committee be retained when these new It is regrettable that this issue has proved
establish the protocols and strategies that committees are established. Indeed, it so divisive. There are valid arguments on
would direct the work of each group. The is a principle that could be established both sides of the debate. I can appreciate
terms of reference of each committee to good effect on all our committees. that there are benefits for the stronger
were revised to meet current needs and counties in a top division of eight, but
goals, and were co-ordinated to meet the the structure of two divisions of six
requirements of the 2015-2017 Strategic Review of Structure of seems to provide the best opportunity
Plan. This work was helped by a report on a All-Ireland Senior Hurling to help a few more counties reach the
review undertaken in late 2014 by Deloitte, Championship and National elite level. It does mean that some
at the request of our Audit Committee, League counties that believe they belong in the
into our Committee Governance and top tier are being asked to accept what
Structures. The report issued twenty- 2016 is the final year of the current is, for them, a less than ideal structure
seven recommendations in areas of structure of the Allianz Hurling League in order to assist in the long-term
committee activity such as structure, terms and the All-Ireland senior hurling development of hurling. It is a debate
of reference, committee effectiveness, championships. It was right to review that is likely to continue for some time.
succession planning for committees, the structure of both in tandem. Once
and induction processes for new and again, the issue relating to the number “ Twenty counties had made
re-appointed committee members. of teams in and the structure of Division proposals on the structure of
Among the key recommendations were: One of the Allianz Hurling League league and championship.
proved quite divisive. A wide range Where the All-Ireland senior
• the need to review succession of proposals were received covering hurling championship was
arrangements for committees all divisions. These advocated several concerned, it was the view of
so as to avoid corporate memory variations within Division One, among most that the present system
loss and to improve continuity which were two groups of six, seven and should be retained.”
of committee membership; eight; there was also a proposal for one
group of eight and one of seven. CCCC
• the ongoing need to evaluate the number presented a strong case in support of the
and size of committees; view that groups of six – with quarter-
finals – have benefited hurling, arguing
that such a structure has created an
7
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
Beyond the discussion on the Division the weekend after the final round of improve Gaelic football brought some
One structure, Central Council games. The momentum of the final interesting proposals to the November
made some adjustments to the round would, hopefully, carry through meeting of Central Council, including a
structure of Division Three and to to the finals and would free up valuable limited use of the mark. It also presented a
the process for deciding promotion time for the playing of club games. programme of work for 2016 that includes
and relegation. Time will tell whether experimenting with placing a limitation on
these changes prove to be positive. the number of successive hand-passes.
The State of Gaelic Football It would be wrong to respond in knee-
The review of the All-Ireland senior jerk fashion to the current emphasis on
hurling championship was much less While attendances at football matches defensive play, and we must never forget
contentious. Twenty counties had made remained healthy, criticism of the that the playing of a team field game
proposals on the structure of league and current manner and style of, and tactical such as Gaelic football is a dynamic and
championship. Where the All-Ireland senior approach to, playing the game continued evolving affair, one, therefore, subject
hurling championship was concerned, in 2015. There are concerns about the to permanent innovation and change
it was the view of most that the present perceived negativity of football today, as coaches seek to develop new tactics
system should be retained. Galway had often expressed in apocalyptic predictions to win matches and outmanoeuvre
proposed an open draw rather than a about the ‘death’ of football due to the opponents. That said, it certainly makes
provincial-based system, but accepted ultra-defensive approach of teams. sense to look at ways of making our
that the consensus was that the current However, it is important to keep a sense games a more attractive spectacle.
structure should be retained. It was agreed of perspective and proportion. When
that Central Council will recommend the one looks at films of major games from Every year, it takes but a single one-sided
present system in a motion to Congress the past, one sees that our current elite result in the provincial championships to
2016 and that any proposals for minor players are fitter, more skilful and more spark a demand for an overhaul of the
amendments from counties could be creative than at any time in the history of structure of the provincial and All-Ireland
addressed through individual motions. the game. It is also the case that the level football championships. In 2015, Dublin’s
of scoring is higher than it has ever been, easy victory over Longford in the Leinster
that there has been a drop in the number senior football championship was the
of fouls committed and cards shown, and signal for the criticism of the provincial
The Allianz Football Leagues
that the quality of long-range point- structure to begin. Coiste Bainistíochta
The 2015 Allianz Football Leagues taking in this year’s All-Ireland senior invited counties to make submissions
proved to be extremely competitive championship was exceptionally high. on a revised structure, from which a few
and drew good crowds to the regular points clearly emerged. There was little
programme of games in all divisions. Given these positive features of the appetite for removing or downgrading
It is clear that counties attach great current game, it was all the more the provincial championships, nor was
significance to retaining or improving surprising to hear calls for the removal there a consensus on how the present
their league divisional status, manifested of the black card. I repeat the arguments championship model might be improved.
in the increasing intensity with which I put forward in my report to Congress There was recognition that there are
the competition is played from year to 2014. There, I expressed the view that some counties that cannot realistically
year. The final Sunday in each division is teams that played football in the correct aspire to winning either a provincial or
generally quite dramatic; however, the spirit had nothing to fear from the an All-Ireland title, yet no suggested
intensity seems to diminish when the introduction of the black card, that there amendments to the current structure
semi-finals and finals of each division was some inconsistency in the application offer credible solutions to address this
are played, and especially so in Division of the rule by referees, and that work situation. After a lengthy period of
One. The obvious solution to this issue – remains to be done in communicating the consultation, three proposals on the
that the team with most points wins the precise nature of black-card offences to restructuring of the championship were
league – would free up some additional spectators. There is still work to be done put before the 16 January 2016 meeting
weekends/Sundays for club matches, in each of these areas, but instances of of Central Council, and the preferred
but the financial benefit of these extra players being dragged to the ground are option from these goes before Congress
games is attractive to counties. While now rare, while the body-collide, an ugly for consideration, along with motions
I understand the criticism of the play- and destructive foul that marred the from Ros Comáin and Ceatharlach.
off aspect of the leagues, there does game, has been virtually eradicated.
not appear to be a desire to dispense
with finals. However, I think we ought to It remains the case, however, that Playing our games fairly
give serious consideration to dropping spectators are often frustrated by the
the semi-finals in Division One and use of a ‘blanket defence’. The Standing It is a matter of regret that, in 2015,
to playing the finals of all divisions on Committee on the Playing Rules to the term ‘sledging’ was invoked with
8
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
greater regularity than ever before in negative behaviour is to focus on displays bringing the player to account. When
conversations about Gaelic games. Many of sportsmanship. It is too early to judge the injured player, along with officials
would say that verbal intimidation has whether their campaign has had an from both counties who were present
always existed. What is different now, impact. There were few initial signs of a at the game, attended a CCCC meeting
though, is the allegation that some teams change in behaviour, but it is encouraging called to investigate the incidents prior
are engaging in nasty, personal abuse that the players’ body is determined to to throw-in at the game, nobody could
on a systematic basis. This is a breach of create the right playing environment (or would) provide any information
rules that is difficult to deal with as, very and playing philosophy in our games. that would have allowed appropriate
often, offensive comments are made out disciplinary action to be taken. Given
of the hearing of match officials; in such The blight of unsporting behaviour is the unwillingness of either county to
cases, it becomes a matter of one player’s not, of course, solely the responsibility co-operate in identifying any of the guilty
word against another’s. Such behaviour of players. Managers and coaches parties, the only option available to CCCC
has no place in sport and reflects poorly who encourage or ignore diving or was the proposal of a fine, a penalty that
on those who indulge in it. Ultimately, verbal abuse of opponents also have was subsequently imposed at a hearing.
it is our players who are best placed to a responsibility. And it is important to
eliminate it. In this context, the launch in remind ourselves that this behaviour is It will probably be considered naïve on
July of the GPA Fair Play Campaign, aimed not confined to the inter-county game; my part to criticise the position taken by
at encouraging and rewarding good there is adequate anecdotal evidence to the counties, but the misguided loyalty
on-field behaviour among inter-county suggest that initiatives to rid ourselves that protects players who engage in
players, was most welcome. Consultation of this behaviour need to extend to violent behaviour on the pitch can only be
with the GPA membership had revealed club level too. The vast majority of seen, by those concerned with the good
a concern among players at the rise in players, officials and supporters want of the game, as a failure of leadership.
our games to be played in accordance Group solidarity is one thing; a code of
“ The vast majority of players, with the values of our Association. If silence that condones violence is quite
officials and supporters want our we need to change our rules in order another. And this is not just an issue for
games to be played in accordance to achieve this, then we should do so. the counties involved in this incident.
with the values of our Association. While a county may be pleased at avoiding
If we need to change our rules One of the most disappointing events the consequences of ill-disciplined
in order to achieve this, then we of the past year arose from incidents in behaviour, the reputation of the GAA
should do so.” an Armagh v Dublin challenge match suffers on such occasions. Moreover, a
in early July. Dublin footballer Davy very negative message is sent to clubs
incidents of verbal abuse and at a general Byrne received nasty facial injuries, an and players at all levels about the need for
breakdown in sporting play as it relates to incident which, it would appear, led to discipline in the playing of our games. Is
the dishonest winning of frees, to diving a brawl involving a number of players, it really too much to expect that a player
and to feigning injury. Efforts to deceive and which led also to Davy Byrne being or official in these situations will stand
referees are now much too common in hospitalised. The efforts of CCCC to up and say, ‘Sorry, I did it and I accept the
our games, notably in football. It is this investigate the matter followed an all consequences’? We have all witnessed
unsporting behaviour that led the GPA too depressing pattern. Even though how elite professional sport has lost much
to establish a Fair Play Awards scheme, the name of the player alleged to have of its integrity through a loss of genuine
which rewards players for positive actions, been responsible for Davy Byrne’s injury sporting values. Codes of silence and
in the belief that the most effective way was in general circulation, no assistance cover-ups remind us that Gaelic games
of tackling and isolating the issue of was forthcoming from the counties in are not immune to such damage.
9
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
20 September 2015; Michael Foley, Kerry, in
action against Tadhg Fitzgerald, Tipperary.
Electric Ireland GAA Football All-Ireland Minor
Championship Final, Kerry v Tipperary, Croke
Park, Dublin.
Our Disciplinary Structure
is simple: a wrong decision in no way
“ This disciplinary system is very In 2015 the decisions of the Central indicates an inadequate structure. Let
fair to the player, allowing him Hearings Committee to clear Kevin Keane me explain our disciplinary process again.
every opportunity to have his case to play in the Mayo v Dublin All-Ireland The Competitions Control Committee
dealt with fairly. It also reduces senior football championship semi- proposes a penalty, which is either
the likelihood of an injustice being final, and of the DRA to clear Diarmuid accepted or rejected. If it is rejected,
done to a player. A statistical Connolly to play in the replay of that a hearing is granted. The Hearings
analysis of the decisions emerging drawn game, led to calls to abandon Committee (decision-makers) either
from this system confirms that it our disciplinary structures, and to the imposes a penalty or exonerate, based on
works well.” familiar refrain of ‘they are not fit for evidence presented during the hearing.
purpose’. Much of the commentary If a penalty is imposed by the Hearings
came from individuals who, as is often Committee, and the defending party is
the case, clearly didn’t understand how not willing to accept the imposed penalty,
these structures operate, but one would an appeal can be lodged with and heard
have expected more from some of our by the Appeals Committee. If the appeal
own members who should have been is unsuccessful, the penalty remains and
capable of distinguishing fact from all avenues of appeal within the GAA are,
fiction. For my part, I do not believe that at this point, exhausted. (The appeal can
there is any fundamental weakness in our be successful only where there has been
disciplinary structures. I may have been a clear infringement or misapplication of
surprised by the decisions announced Rule by the Hearings Committee, or where
in the specific cases mentioned, just the appellant’s right to a fair hearing has
as I have often been surprised, as we otherwise been compromised to such an
all have been, by decisions made by extent that a clear injustice has occurred).
disciplinary bodies outside of the GAA, However, if the defending party is still not
and even by the courts. But we are willing to accept the imposed penalty, a
surprised in these cases only because request for arbitration may be lodged to
we are not privy to the debate or to the DRA (Disputes Resolution Authority),
considerations taken into account in which represents an external independent
reaching a decision. And, sometimes, body and whose decisions are binding.
too, decision-makers, as fallible human
beings, will just get it wrong. The lesson
10Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
6 September 2015; Ger Aylward, Kilkenny, in
action against Daithi Burke, Galway. GAA Hurling
All-Ireland Senior Championship Final, Kilkenny v
Galway, Croke Park, Dublin.
This disciplinary system is very fair to the This is not to say, as in every aspect burnout, and a fi xtures calendar that
player, allowing him every opportunity of GAA work, that there are not things does not provide club players with a fair
to have his case dealt with fairly. It also that we can do better. We need to focus schedule of matches. Beginning with the
reduces the likelihood of an injustice on the education of members of our Competitions Review Task Force Report
being done to a player. A statistical disciplinary bodies at every level and in 2004, and continuing through another
analysis of the decisions emerging from to devise an education programme seven major reports, the Association
this system confirms that it works well. In that will be an annual requirement for has investigated, discussed and made
the past five years (2011-2015), the CCCC members of committees. Members proposals to address the overtraining,
has proposed 1,132 penalties arising must be fully familiar with the rules burnout and fi xtures questions,
from inter-county games. Arising from in the Official Guide, not an easy but without, for all that, adopting
this, 146 players have sought hearings in objective to realise. Our rule book is solutions to the difficult problems that
order to challenge proposed penalties. complex, which underlines the need these inter-related issues pose.
In 50 instances, the proposed penalty to educate those who are overseeing
has been overturned. Three cases have the implementation of the rules. It is a In my Annual Report to Congress 2015
gone all the way to the DRA. In only one task that should probably be overseen I wrote that the findings and proposals
of those cases over the past five years by our Rules Advisory Committee, with of these reports contained within them
– that of Diarmuid Connolly in 2015 – the organisation of courses resting viable solutions to the overtraining,
has the penalty been overturned. From with the Provincial Councils. None of player-burnout and fi xtures-scheduling
the outcry that greeted the decision in these proposals suggests a need for problems. I promised in my Annual Report
the Diarmuid Connolly case, one might structural change; they merely stress to produce, later in 2015, a paper that
conclude that players are routinely going the need to ensure that our relevant would ‘draw on all of these proposals and
to the DRA to have penalties lifted. The committees are properly equipped to allow the Association to decide how it
facts tell us otherwise. Commentators make decisions consistent with our rules. will address these player-welfare issues
were entitled to question the DRA and the needs of club players’. That
decision in respect of Diarmuid Connolly paper was duly circulated as a discussion
(although one wonders if the outcry Player overtraining and document in November and offered a
would have been as great if the player burnout, and our fixtures number of proposals drawn from the
was someone other than Diarmuid calendar eight previously published reports. The
Connolly), but it was nothing less than report was made available to every unit of
lazy headline-seeking commentary to Since 2004 the GAA has made a the Association and meetings were held
use this to suggest that our disciplinary number of attempts to address the with county officers in each province.
structures are not fit for purpose. issues of player overtraining and
11Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
21 November 2015; Bernard Brogan, left, and Eoin
Doyle, right, Ireland, celebrate with supporters after
the game. EirGrid International Rules Test 2015,
Ireland v Australia. Croke Park, Dublin.
I hope that all delegates will read the 2016 only 2,991 boys sitting the Leaving Leinster (the first round) and Ulster (the
discussion paper carefully before making Certificate would be eligible to play at preliminary round) and in the first week
decisions that will have a major impact U-17 inter-county level (i.e. are U-16 of July in Connacht and Munster, with
on the Association, our players and clubs. or U-17), while 16,366 boys are eligible the All-Ireland Final taking place on the
Without re-stating all of the arguments to play on an U-18 inter-county minor August Bank Holiday weekend. Under
outlined in the discussion document, I team (i.e. are U-17 or U-18). In addition, the rules, all games will finish on the
would like to remind everyone of the two minor (U-17) inter-county competitions day – there will be no replays. Extra time,
key issues that need to be addressed: would not affect the playing of adult club if inconclusive, would be followed by a
fixtures as U-17 players are not permitted ‘sudden death’ free-taking competition.
• (i) at certain times of the year, talented to play in adult club competitions. Eligibility would be restricted to those
players in the 17-21 age-group are players who are overage for U-18 and
being asked to train too much, to play The discussion paper also proposed eligible for U-20; players who have
too many matches for too many teams, that the U-21 football championship be featured on a team list submitted to
and are afforded too little time for rest discontinued on the basis that the elite a referee for an inter-county senior
and recovery, leading to significant U-21 footballer would no longer have championship game in the current
physical and psychological strains, and the added pressure of training for and year will be ineligible to participate.
a negative impact on the academic playing in, simultaneously, third-level
performance of players at second championships, at inter-county U-21 level This proposal, with its eligibility
and post-second-level education; and, in some instances, at senior level. The restrictions, will have several beneficial
proposal aimed to reduce the negative effects: (i) it will meet the player-
• (ii) the great majority of club players, effects on their academic performance development need for an inter-county
specifically those not involved in inter- and on their physical and psychological championship to bridge the gap between
county teams, are not offered a fair, wellbeing, and would have had the effect U-17 and senior competition; (ii) it will
evenly distributed and planned schedule of substantially reducing the surfeit of avoid the simultaneous and intense
of club matches throughout the year competitions in the January-April period, pressures on players of coping with
due to the scheduling of inter-county thus reducing the levels of training and inter-county U-21 competition and
fixtures, and, more generally, due to number of matches imposed on young preparing for and sitting vital school or
the greater influence that inter-county elite players. As a consequence of this college examinations; (iii) it will end the
competitions have come to enjoy proposed change, the chances of young clash between third-level, senior and
and exercise in recent years. This is a players experiencing overtraining, U-21 competitions; (iv) it will reduce the
source of great frustration to clubs. overuse injury and, ultimately, burnout surfeit of competitions in the January-
would have been minimised. April period, and therefore the burden
The discussion paper argued that the task of too much training and too many
facing us is twofold: (i) to significantly Valuable feedback was obtained from matches for young elite players; (v) it
ease the burden on young elite players by the consultations with counties and will have no impact on the playing of
providing a more measured progression provinces. As a result of that engagement, minor club competitions; and (vi) it
of training and playing for them, taking amendments have been made to three will have minimal impact on adult club
account of their age and development; (ii) of the original proposals to go before championships, few of which games
to develop a revised calendar of fixtures in this Congress for decision. First, there are played during June and July ; and
which a better balance between inter- was a widespread concern at the gap (vii) it will allow the U-20 championship
county and club fixtures is established. that would be created in an elite football to be played in better weather.
player’s development pathway by ending
In relation to the first of these points, age-based inter-county competition Overall, moving to a structure of U-17
the discussion paper proposed that, at at U-17. This has led to the revised and U-20 competitions as outlined here
inter-county level only, the minor (i.e. U-18) proposal to create a developmental U-20 would represent a significant step in
hurling and football competitions be competition that would eliminate some addressing the pressures facing talented
re-graded as minor U-17. If passed, it will of the difficulties currently facing elite footballers in the 17-21 age-group. Under
mean that the elite U-17 player would be players in the U-21 grade. The revised these revised proposals, a relatively small
able to play at inter-county minor level proposal envisages a new U-20 football number of (U-17) players would play
(U-17) in a year when he is less likely to be championship, starting in 2018 and to be inter-county minor football in the year
sitting life-defining Leaving Certificate/A- played primarily in July. The competition when they sit Leaving Certificate/A-level
level examinations. For example, in would begin in the last week of June in examinations, and when most do sit
12Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
LEFT: 21 November 2015; David Mundy, Australia, in action
against Jack McCaffrey, Ireland. EirGrid International Rules
Test 2015, Ireland v Australia. Croke Park, Dublin.
“ For the last two years the
21 November 2015; International Rules encounter has
Michael Quinn, Ireland,
in action against Nick
been a one-game competition,
Riewoldt, Australia. so devised to see if it could meet
Ireland v Australia. Croke
Park, Dublin.
these necessary standards.”
these examinations (U-18), they would for some of our less successful counties. Council. They suggested a re-launch
be playing with their clubs only. As U-19 I recognise that some of the changes of the Interprovincials as a weekend
and U-20 players, when the majority of proposed, particularly the replacement, competition played over two days in a
this age-group attend college, they can at inter-county level, of minor U-18 by town or city with a strong GAA base,
play in an All-Ireland U-20 championship minor U-17, and the discontinuation supported by live night-time television
without the pressure of playing in and of the U-21 football inter-county coverage and as part of a well-promoted
training for, simultaneously, third-level championship, may prove difficult for weekend mini-festival, aimed particularly
championships, at inter-county U-21 some to accept. Yet we have reached a at younger audiences. Free admission
level and, in some instances, at senior stage in our competition structures where should also be considered. Central
level. While a smaller number of players something has to give, and, as I stated in Council discussed the recommendations
eligible for the new U-20 category will the discussion document, I believe that at a meeting in June 2014 and, although
potentially be Leaving Certificate or tradition and precedence are insufficient the then-Uachtarán, Liam Ó Néill, and
A-level students, the competitions would arguments for resisting change in the I expressed a contrary view, gave its
not start until after the examinations face of the challenge to our values posed support to the FRC proposal. It was
period (the last week in June for a small by the issues of player welfare and the subsequently decided that Ulster would
number of counties and the first week denial of fair competitive activity to our host the 2015 football competition, with
in July for most), a period currently club players. We must take action as part Connacht taking responsibility for the
used to complete our inter-county of the necessary process of adaptation hurling equivalent. Enthusiasm for the
provincial minor championships. to which a vibrant organisation must idea of a weekend mini-festival, however,
be open, an openness that, in the past, seemed to dissolve very quickly. In the
The second concern expressed during has been one of the GAA’s strengths. absence of any more suitable date,
the consultation with counties related to both competitions were scheduled for
the abolition of all replays in provincial December 2015. Weather conditions led
and All-Ireland senior championship Interprovincial to their postponement. But, in any case,
games. While there was an acceptance Championships given the number of elite players who had
of the impact of replays in provincial and already indicated their non-availability,
All-Ireland senior championship games In 2012 Central Council spent an the signs for a renewal of public interest
on club championship programmes, inordinate amount of time discussing were not good. Maybe now is the time
there was also a strongly expressed view the future of the Interprovincial to accept the inevitable: our crowded
that finals should be excluded from the championships. A committee, under the playing calendar and a lack of interest
proposal. There is no doubt that the chairmanship of Jarlath Burns, produced among players and the public tell us that
opposition to the original proposal was a report laying out the options for the the competitions have no viable future.
partly dictated by financial concerns, staging of the competitions. Despite
but there was also a sentiment that the abundant evidence that the public had
status of provincial and All-Ireland finals little interest in the competitions, the International Rules
merits a replay when the first game ends enthusiasm of Central Council members
in a draw. The revised proposal leaves for them remained undiminished. The I wrote last year that the criteria for
open the possibility of a replay on nine familiar arguments for the case to evaluating whether the International
occasions after drawn games, whereas, revive and renew the competitions were Rules Series should continue would be
currently, there is potential for a replay on brought to bear: play them over a single the interest levels of players (in Ireland
fifty-four occasions after drawn provincial weekend, launch a major marketing and Australia), the engagement of the
and senior championship games. campaign, let spectators in without public in both countries and the ability
an admission charge, etc. Following of the teams to produce a high-quality
Finally, the counties in Britain were that Central Council debate, however, match, free from over-physical play.
unhappy with the proposal to abolish the the cold truth made itself known:
All-Ireland Junior Football championship the 2013 competitions (six games) For the last two years the International
which, for most of their counties, is attracted total gate receipts of €12,220, Rules encounter has been a one-game
the only opportunity to compete for a figure that fell to €7,126 in 2014. competition, so devised to see if it could
an All-Ireland title. A motion has been meet these necessary standards. In Perth
drafted for Congress that meets their The Football Review Committee (FRC) in 2014, and in Croke Park last November,
need in this regard and that also has the offered a further kiss of life in 2014 in it was clear that, based on these measures
potential to meet a developmental need the second part of its report to Central of success, the Series certainly does have
1323 August 2015; A young Tyrone fan. GAA Football All- Ireland Senior Championship, Semi-Final, Kerry v Tyrone. Croke Park, Dublin.
Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
7 January 2015; Dublin supporters make their
way to Parnell Park. Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup,
Group A, Round 2, Dublin v Offaly, Parnell Park,
Dublin.Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
a future. I would like to pay tribute to Joe • All of us have a responsibility to try to do competence is called into question in
Kernan and his team, outsiders on the things better in the future. We need to a very public manner. Players have the
morning of the game, for overcoming remember that our players are amateur, comfort and protection of being part
what was possibly the strongest that they make a free choice to play of a large team group; team managers
Australian team yet assembled for the our games and that they can walk away (and their families) are alone in facing
Series, and for doing so with a display of at any time. They are not contracted the public challenge to the individual
traditional catching and kicking that did and, as a result, are entirely free to reputation of the team manager,
much to restore belief in the basic skills of leave panels if and when they so decide. causing them considerable stress and
our own game. The result will have hurt Whereas a professional player has to some humiliation. Calling publicly for
the Australians’ pride, which sharpens make the best of any dissatisfaction the resignation of a team manager
our anticipation of the 2016 Series. with a team manager, our players can should be an act of last resort.
simply withdraw their services. There
We have held initial discussions with is nothing we can do about that. There are, I believe important lessons
the AFL on the possibility of playing a to be learned from what happened
future Series in a neutral country, and • Players are entitled to expect that in Mayo and Galway. Both Central
further discussions are planned for this they will be given the means to realise Council and the GPA are committed
spring. We have agreed, subject to the their full potential, as individual to developing a process that will make
approval of Central Council, that there players and as members of teams, similar events less likely in the future.
should be a Series next November; it and that County Committees will And there is a willingness on the part of
remains to be decided whether it will be provide the optimal resources they Central Council and the GPA to assist in
held in Australia or in a neutral country. can afford to achieve this. They can resolving problems; such interventions,
also expect that team managements indeed, have been extremely useful
will provide the coaching and man- on a number of occasions.
management skills necessary to cope
Relationships between players
with diverse talents and personalities.
and County Committees
Third-level competitions
The issues that arose in Mayo and • Administrators have a responsibility
Galway in the final months of the year to ensure that a forum exists in which In previous reports I have commented on
drew a weary response from (and sense an ongoing and open dialogue takes the place of third-level colleges within
of déjà vu among) many people. It was place between county officials, team the GAA and have noted the indifference
the now-familiar procedure of players managements and players. Where that of some county officials to the third-level
calling for the removal of managers honest interaction takes place, difficulties contribution to the Association. There
or management and the inevitable can be addressed before they create is a recurring demand that third-level
melodrama that has to be played out, a state of crisis. The County Teams competitions should be completed
leading, inevitably, it seems, to the Management and Panels Sub Committee, before Christmas so that county senior
management team stepping down. required under rule, is intended to provide and U-21 teams have exclusive access
Inevitable, too, is the aftermath of anger, a forum for open dialogue. Its function to players after Christmas for training
bitterness and broken friendships such is to manage the relationships between purposes. It was more than surprising to
upheavals produce. And it has yet to be the County Committee, county senior hear this argument repeated regularly
proven that such internal turmoil leaves team managers and panels. However, at the meetings to discuss the paper
teams in a stronger position to realise it seems to me that its operation in on player overtraining/burnout and
their goals. Further, these heaves against many counties is dictated by a narrow the GAA fixtures calendar, as it takes
management teams have an impact in interpretation of its role and that it tends no account of the challenges involved
other counties too, as they breed concern to focus on day-to-day concerns relating in third-level fixtures-making, not
among administrators that a similar to the payment of expenses, travelling to mention certain obvious facts.
situation could occur in their county. The arrangements, meals, team weekends,
wider effect is to diminish trust between holidays, etc. County Committees have There is a very narrow period of time in
county administrators and the GPA, a responsibility to broaden the scope which to complete the programme of
creating an atmosphere in which many of the work of this sub-committee and third-level games. The academic year in
people are quick to attribute all blame, to ensure that problems are identified colleges begins in September, in some
unfairly, to the GPA. As ever in human and addressed as quickly as possible. cases early in the month, in others late
affairs, the truth is more complex than in the month. Some colleges hold their
that. Without revisiting what happened • Players, too, need to consider how they first-semester exams in December, while
in Mayo and Galway and commenting handle relationship problems with team others hold them in January. This makes
directly on the breakdown in relationships managements and to be aware of the it impossible to play competitive games
that took placet there are some general huge personal pressure and distress it from early December to late January.
observations that can be made: creates for team managers when their In 2015 the last of the seven Higher
17Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
21 January 2015; Supporters queue at the
turnstiles as they arrive in ahead of the game.
Dr. McKenna Cup Semi-Final, Cavan v Fermanagh.
Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan.
Education senior football and hurling Many good non-inter-county players representatives are fully cognisant of
league finals was played on 3 December enjoyed representing 45 colleges and 218 their obligations under the Association’s
and the first game in their championships teams in the 2015/16 competitions and Anti-Doping Rules’. Following this
was scheduled for 26 January 2016. The value the opportunity to improve their recommendation, a series of measures
reason for the eight-week gap is to allow standard of play through participation were put in place to improve the existing
students to sit examinations without at this representative level. As I have provisions and to increase awareness in
the pressure of competitive games. It stated before, third-level colleges the Association of anti-doping rules and
is unfair to expect colleges to complete should not have to defend their efforts policies, as well as of their importance in
the Sigerson, Fitzgibbon and other to promote their games against those player welfare and in ensuring fair play in
competitions before Christmas and, in whose concern does not extend beyond our games. Among the steps taken were:
effect, to confine third-level competition the requirements of the inter-county
to a period from early October to the game. On the contrary, they should have • a review of all anti-doping material on
end of November. There is no doubt that the support of administrators at all levels, the GAA website;
some colleges contribute to the player who should appreciate the important
overtraining and burnout. But so do many contribution that the third-level sector • the implementation of new
counties. It is valid to criticise colleges has made to the growth of the GAA. communications protocols to ensure
where it is justified, but let us make an that all players on county panels are
effort to understand why Comhairle made aware of their responsibilities
Ardoideachais cannot complete their Anti-Doping with regard to anti-doping and testing;
competitions before Christmas.
It was disappointing that an inter-county • the launch of an information and
I have made these same points before, panellist had to be suspended in 2015 for awareness campaign by our Medical,
but my comments have fallen on a breach of our Anti-Doping Rules. While Scientific and Welfare Committee;
deaf ears. We should acknowledge our existing provisions to educate players
the contribution that this sector has did receive considerable praise from • an increased focus on the education
made towards the development of the Anti-Doping Hearings Committee of Talent Academy squads;
our games in several important areas which heard the case, a review of our
– in the raising of playing standards, Anti-Doping Education programme • the development of a new induction
in the training of administrators, was initiated following this suspension. programme by the GPA for players
the provision of scholarships to elite The committee, in its findings, had new to the inter-county scene.
players and in the huge investment urged the GAA to ‘intensify its work to
in our games and infrastructure. ensure that all players, county officers,
coaches, managers, medical and allied
sports science personnel, and player
18Tuarascáil An Ard Stiúrthóra
15 February 2015; Liam Blanchfield,
Bennettsbridge, in action against Simon
Wallace, left, and Liam Knocker, Fullen Gaels.
AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Junior Club
Championship Final, Bennettsbridge v Fullen
Gaels, Croke Park, Dublin.
It is important to emphasise that all their support personnel and our team and praise for their emphasis on the basic
GAA players, and not only inter-county training structures. In an ideal world there principle of ‘if in doubt, sit them out’.
players, are subject to the Irish Anti- would be no need for such intrusions;
Doping Rules as adopted by Sport however, in the times in which we live, Among the MSWC’s reasons for advising
Ireland (SI). But, of course, this is not blood testing is a necessary component against a temporary substitute in
just a matter of rules. We need to in the endeavour to maintain the our games are the following:
ensure that all players are aware of the integrity of our games, which must take
dangers to their health of using banned precedence over all other considerations. • Our existing management guidelines
substances. If there was any complacency are clear in their insistence that a
in relation to drug use among players, player suspected of concussion should
the confirmation of a breach in 2015 Concussion be removed from play and should not
has removed it. All of us have an resume playing that day. A concussion
obligation to ensure that our games Motion 13 at last year’s Congress substitute and sideline assessment would
are not blighted by further breaches. proposed the introduction of a temporary contradict these guidelines, which are
substitute to allow a player suspected of based on international best practice.
For the record, there were ninety-five concussion to be removed from play on
tests carried out on our players in 2015 the instruction of the referee, to be tested • The proposal to use a concussion
under the SI testing programme, with for concussion and only to be allowed to substitute presumes that concussion
players from twenty-six different hurling return to play following a negative result can be diagnosed within a short
and football panels being tested. As part to the test. The motion was referred timeframe. This is not in keeping
of our commitment to the maintenance of to our Medical Scientific and Welfare with best practice, which shows that
hurling and football as drug-free sports, Committee WMSWC) for consideration, symptoms of concussion can take
and having signed up to the provisions which decided that such an approach several hours or longer to present.
of the World Anti-Doping Agency, blood would not be in the best interests of our
testing, as well as urine testing, will be players or, indeed, the Association. • Concussion is a brain injury and
introduced into Gaelic games in 2016. concussion diagnosis is a clinical
The committee, which includes medical judgement. There is no test currently
We have worked closely with SI and the experts from the GAA world such as Dr available which is 100% accurate for
GPA on the introduction of this testing Pat O’Neill (Dublin) and Dr Kevin Moran pitch-side concussion assessment. The
programme. The programme that will (Donegal), strongly believes that the introduction of a concussion substitute
be rolled out – while meeting these GAA’s current guidelines on concussion would contradict best advice and
requirements – has been designed to are the best approach to this issue – would be impractical to implement
take careful consideration of the unique indeed the guidelines have received at all levels of the Association.
circumstances of our amateur players, widespread acknowledgement and
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